The Madness of Crowds

Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 17

By: Louise Penny

Narrated by: Adam Sims

Length: 16 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

The new book in the internationally best-selling Gamache series by 'one of the greatest crime writers of our time' (Denise Mina).

The incredible new book in Louise Penny's number one best-selling Chief Inspector Gamache series.

When Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is asked to provide crowd control at a statistics lecture given at the Université de l'Estrie in Quebec, he is dubious. Why ask the head of homicide to provide security for what sounds like a minor, even mundane lecture?

But dangerous ideas about who deserves to live in order for society to thrive are rapidly gaining popularity, fuelled by the research of the eminent Professor Abigail Robinson. Yet for every person seduced by her theories, there is another who is horrified by them. When a murder is committed days after the lecture, it's clear that within crowds can lie madness.

To uncover the truth, Gamache must put his own feelings about the divisive professor to one side. But with her ideas gaining ground, the line separating good and evil, right and wrong, is quickly blurring - especially when the case leads unexpectedly close to home....

Includes a bonus conversation between the author and audiobook narrator Adam Sims.

©2021 Louise Penny (P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Wonderful book

uniquely poignant with subtle humour
highly recommended. Gamache is a special human being in an ambiguous and complex world

Adam Simms

Thankyou Adam Simms for bringing once again this book alive and thrilling, looking forward to continue listening every chance i had!
You are one of the greatest narrators that i have had the privilege to listen to. I handpick audio books now by searching for those narrated by you.

Louise Penny thankyou for your great ability to tell a story where the characters seem like a loved family by now!

👏👏👏

A brilliant look at what covid 19 has taught us about human nature

Who would think given we are still grappling with the covid 19 pandemic that reading a book with the theme of the pandemic at its core would be so enlightening and in the end comforting… but Louise Penny has achieved this, another great murder mystery with a wonderful moral message! Loved it!

Poignant, Moving and totally on trend

I absolutely loved this book. I have listened to all of Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache books and am a huge fan. This is not just a crime novel. It is so richly textured and multi layered. I was moved to tears at the end. I’m wondering if it’s because of the context that it is written in. It is controversial, humane, tragic and thoughtful. The narrator is superb. The interview at the end between the author and narrator is a special surprise. Thank you Louise Penny and Adam Sims. I am deeply grateful.

Warning - too many triggers and horror

Writing is exceptional and really brings you into the story. Narrator also excellent. But the story itself is horrible and disturbing. Author going for shock value. Definitely an R18 book if not more. Don't let anyone young or sensitive near this! Couldn't finish this book as it has too many triggers including descriptions of covid deaths and later on, of torture.

Triggers (possible spoilers tho will not give away the who done it... cos I don't know and don't care to finish the book):
I got to a point around covid and the neglect and death of an entire old age home and stopped listening for a while. Then gave it one more chance and got to a description of the torture of patients by a doctor and then torture and rape of a child and stopped there. I should have stopped earlier. I don't need to listen to this and don't want that stuff in my head. I'm not going to touch this author again. Returning the book and will be getting my credit back to spend on something more uplifting. You are welcome to jump into the mire of despair and brokenness, but I'm not joining you.